How to go about hiring a trainer?

So I'd like to get up to upper 170's lower 180 range for 2 reasons, I have a tentative desire/plan to learn/start playing rugby this summer and I'd like to get bigger for it and the 2nd reason is...I don't like the way my body looks now (and I don't think anyone else does either lol)

Truth is idk my way around the gym and God has denied my request for a work out buddy. So I was curious to know does anyone know how to go about hiring a personal trainer? like is there a website, or do I make a posting? any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Does the gym where you train have personal trainers available to work with you? If not find out where PTs in your area might be located. Be sure the PT is certified from a reputable agency and ask for client references. PM me if you have more questions.

Do you belong to a gym? Most gyms have personal trainers on staff. Many give you at least a few 'free' sessions with initial membership. Beyond that it is a matter of interviewing them just like you'd interview anyone else you needed in a helping profession. You need to know what your goals are and be able to ask intelligent questions to find out if the person you're interviewing will be the right 'fit' for you.

When I first started working out 3 years ago I hired a personal trainer with his own small gym. It was almost by accident because his workout gym just happens to be near where I live and I'd seen it walking by a number of times and finally one day just went in and talked with the guy. He is an elite personal trainer who trains professional body builders. I worked with him privately for three months and that cost me a big chunk of change but I don't regret it at all. I learned a LOT from him. However, after that, I struck off on my own and joined a gym. In part because I wanted to have more of a 'regular' gym experience (other people around) but mostly because I couldn't afford to keep a personal trainer long-term. *Way* more than a gym membership alone.

As others above pointed out, the front desk of your gym is the best starting point. They're more than happy to refer you to a reputable trainer. Certification ensures a minimum of competency, but that minimum is very low. And most gyms won't allow non-certified trainers to work there anyway. Then, I would look for someone who works a lot with clients with needs that are similar to yours - the guy who coaches competitive power lifters, or the gal who is great at getting grandma off the couch may not be the best fit. Then, I would observe him when he works with another client. Can you see yourself in he place of that client? Would his motivational techniques work for you? And the, set up a trial workout. And trust your instincts. Is this something that you'll enjoy doing, with this person, over and over again for some time? If so, great, if not, keep looking. And don't let them put a guilt trip on you if you tell them hat you'll look around some more.

gym currently has 2 trainers...one just got fired and the other is always booked, so that's why I was looking for some sort of external resource. I am currently signed up with New York Sports Club, but I think It just may be time for me to change brands. Thanks for the responses.

A trainer from outside the gym may not be able to work with you in that gym.

A personal training studio, where independent trainers train their clients, might be a good place to look as well.

Yeah, a lot of gyms have exclusive arrangements with their trainers. You may want to try calling a gym that you are not a member at, and finding out what their rates for a private personal training sessions are, or find one with a personal studio.

Honestly... most "personal trainers" at the gyms seem to be rep counters more or less.

I think you would be better advised saving your money and just finding a good beginners routine (Starting Strength is a good resource).

Another possibility is to enroll in a bootcamp of sorts at a Crossfit gym. It's not full crossfit and it's designed to train people to do the basic moves (you don't need to do bootcamps/onramps to join Crossfit but it's helpful). That said, doing crossfit will tend to make you leaner... but I've also packed on about 10 lbs of muscle in the last 4-5 months from doing the general Crossfit.

Not all gyms are created equal though - you want to find one where they'll correct you on form and call you out when you get lazy (without massive class sizes). Crossfit is expensive though - but trainers tend to be a lot more expensive...